<p>There are two schools that I absolutely want to go to (wake forest is my first choice, vanderbilt second). I've talked to people in admissions at both and think that my stats will get me some decent merit scholarship money. However, my parents (who make enough where I doubt i will get need based aid) do not see how paying ANYTHING makes sense (i have full + offers from the two major state universities in my state). Although my dad seems like he might change his mind when the actual info comes out, mom is very firm that it wouldnt make sense in her mind to pay even $10,000 per year (which is what all of my friends without scholarship money are paying to go to the state university). What can I say to them?</p>
<p>Why don't you offer to shoulder the $10K on your own? (Be willing to follow through!)</p>
<p>If you work during summers and school year you'd probablynearly make that. If they see that you are willing to make it happen for yourself, they may "get it" how important it is to you... who knows, they might kick in too.</p>
<p>Why not go ahead and apply, assuming the deadlines have not passed and assuming you already haven't, and see what happens? Then you can give them hard cold statistics on the private price vs. the university price. If you have already applied, then you can just wait and see.</p>
<p>I agree with SBmom. Start saving now, then you can offer to make up the difference. If you don't already have a job, start looking now for the summer.</p>
<p>Check out student loans and see if you can borrow enough to make up the difference btwn the cost and what you can earn. I agree that if your parents see that it is sufficiently important enough to you that you are willing to do everythung in your power to make it happen, they may soften and kick in. (if all else fails, remind them that you'll be choosing their nursing home)</p>
<p>thanks...I am in that stressful waiting period where all applications are in and I am just waiting to see what happens. I am definitely going to work this summer, and I have already gotten some outside scholarships, and have applied for several more that I am hoping will pan out. Both of my parents have careers in financial services and planning though, so they are VERY opposed to me taking out student loans.</p>
<p>Are you 18? If they refuse to help you pay for a private college, I don't see how they can also refuse to allow you to borrow the money yourself.</p>
<p>What state are you in? That could make a difference.</p>
<p>yeah, technically they can't refuse to let me borrow money...but they can definitely make it hard for me to</p>
<p>You can emphasize quantifiable advantages of Wake and Vandy: programs, graduation rate, acceptance at grad schools, starting salary in your field (if these figures exist). Also look at the fact that $40,000 over a working lifetime is not that much.</p>
<p>This thread underscores my primary consideration when applying for college. Kids and their parents should agree on the limits for college BEFORE the applications are sent in, not after. These limits can include finances, distance, etc. Students and parents should agree on the perameters BEFORE applications are sent in. Some parents have limitations on financial expenditures. Some have limitations on the distance from home. Some insist on their alma mater. Whatever....this should not come up AFTER the applications are sent.</p>
<p>Courtreb: Offers of full scholarships from two state universities is already a fine feather in your cap! As a parent, I can see how tempting it would be that my kid has done so well in school that he/she can go to the best state universities at no cost. </p>
<p>However tempting that might be, most parents will agree to fund college if it seems clear that the schoool will be better for their kid, for some reasons. The reason could be that the school is much better than State U for that subject, the atmosphere is better for you, any number of them. But you should be able to provide some reasons, or, as others have said, offer to make up the difference yourself if it means that much to you. Parents appreciate a student's offer to help fund their education.</p>
<p>But don't spend the next month or so worrying too much. You and your parents won't be able to put the situation into perspective without finding out whether you will qualify for merit aid, and how much.</p>
<p>thanks dadofsam...the advice about not worrying the next month is well taken</p>